Goldenrod is a flowering plant often mistaken as the cause of hay fever, but the real culprit is usually ragweed, which blooms at the same time and produces highly allergenic pollen. Goldenrod’s pollen is heavy and sticky, making it less likely to become airborne. While allergic reactions to goldenrod can occur, they are uncommon and usually involve symptoms similar to hay fever.
Consider testing for goldenrod allergy if you have allergy symptoms during its blooming period, but ensure testing differentiates between goldenrod and more common allergens like ragweed.
Goldenrod allergy reactions occur when an individual’s immune system reacts to its pollen, though this is uncommon due to the pollen’s heavy nature.
To avoid symptoms, stay indoors when pollen counts are high. Since goldenrod is often confused with ragweed, it’s crucial to confirm the specific allergy.